Greater Manchester Police welcomes new officers to its ranks

GMP welcomed new officers to its ranks on Monday

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) welcomed 125 new recruits to the force on Monday (29 October).

From their previous backgrounds across the world of work, the new recruits will be bringing a variety of experiences and expertise to GMP.

The officers include 50 recruits that have been funded by an increase in the policing precept which was announced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, in January this year.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham proposed a rise in the police element of council tax to fund additional neighbourhood policing across Greater Manchester.

All the new recruits have experience, talent and a passion for policing communities in Greater Manchester. They also reflect the communities of Greater Manchester, which is something we are working hard to improve.

Officers were officially sworn into their roles at a formal ceremony at Manchester Grammar School and affirmed by GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins.

New recruits all complete a two year probation period which includes classroom based learning and a year of active patrolling.

During this period, they have the same role as that of a regular officer, including the power of arrest.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “I am delighted to welcome the new officers to GMP. The 50 that have been funded through the precept increase are particularly welcome as this is the first time we have had a growth in officer numbers since 2010.

“The Force faces continued financial challenges and I appreciate that the increase in the policing element of the precept is challenging for many across Greater Manchester, but it is vital for us in trying to maintain policing services across the Force area.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Beverley Hughes said: “The additional money raised through the policing council tax has enabled us to provide a much-needed boost to neighbourhood police officers at a time when demand is at an all-time high, as they deal with ever more serious cases with a level of complexity we could not have predicted even a few years ago.”